The SF K Files is a place for parents who are seeking a school in San Francisco. The site offers up reviews of public, private and charter schools, as well as lots of advice and opinions from the community.

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Is it February yet?

I actually want it to be late March so I know which school/s we get assigned. I want to tour Sunnyside, Jefferson, Dianne Feinstein, and Fairmount but I am running out of time! I know that some readers think it's a waste of time to tour but I'm in the camp where my list matters and will give me something off my list (cross fingers).

I want to find the top 3 schools in which Luke would thrive. I don't feel like I've found #1 yet. Of the schools I have toured, they are all going on my list but I have no idea in which order. I've added brief tour notes for Synergy and New Traditions.

One question I have for the 2 schools:

Synergy- do you think that a school is better run by teachers (given that they all get along) or one that has a paid administrative staff?

New Traditions- I like that they have a creative arts emphasis but I'm not sure that it's Luke's 'thing'; perhaps for Lulu. Would you put your child in a school that has a focus on something that might not be attractive for him/her to get them more exposure? It's something I wonder about with schools that have an emphasis in science/ technology, arts, etc. At 5 years old, will they grow to enjoy it or always shy away from it?

The people I have known who've sent their kids to synergy have all been tremendously happy. And this crew includes my kid's third grade public school teacher and a friend who works at sfusd hq. If public school staff are sending their kids there instead of public, that speaks volumes about what a great school it is.

Do you suffer from Alzheimer's? Haven't we seen and heard this about a million times? Is it your blog? Why do you feel you have to step in as self-appointed moderator? Why pay attention to what you wish others to ignore? Give us a break!

"Synergy- do you think that a school is better run by teachers (given that they all get along) or one that has a paid administrative staff?"

Although I don't feel qualified to comment on your question more generally, I do think that the Synergy model is working amazingly well for the school. The school has been thriving using the teacher co-op model for decades now, and some of the current teachers have been with the school for a quarter century! I think the teacher retention rate is a huge testament to the happiness and job satisfaction of the teachers. They all sit on the Board and help govern the school. As a parent, I really feel that they have the best interest of the students and families at heart. A perfect example of this was when the economy tanked, they jointly decided not to raise tuition. The lack of a separate administration also keeps tuition low.

We decided to send our kids to Synergy because of the teachers - they are such an experienced, happy, creative and talented bunch. The teachers seem to be thriving, and I think, pass that joy of learning down to the kids.

So, at least for Synergy, the teacher co-op model seems to really work.

Our son is a kindergartener at New Traditions. The creative arts focus is just a fun way to learn the things that all kindergarteners learn. I would not worry that your kid is not "arty" enough. It's a great school.

my son is in 3rd grade at new traditions and he loves it. we moved him from private school into public in 2nd grade. he is a very academic brainy kid and i think exposing him to the "arty" side is really good for him.i wouldn't dwell on it too much - i suggest focusing on the teachers - and so far both 2nd and 3rd have been great. i have an older child in private and have been very happy with new traditions.

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The SF K Files was started by a San Francisco mom who was seeking a kindergarten for her four-year-old daughter. You can read Kate’s story by clicking here. The site is now managed by a group of San Francisco parents and continues as a resource for families seeking public, private or charter options in San Francisco.

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